At New School commencement. Bob Kerrey just gave introductory remarks, mostly devoted to defending his decision to invite John McCain. At the mention of the senator’s name there are loud boos and a smattering of applause. McCain, sitting behind Kerrey with various poo-bahs, laughs. When Kerrey mentions McCain’s address at Liberty University, someone yells something about that being Jerry Falwell’s university (thanks for the information!). Kerrey gets good applause when he says the word “liberal” should mean open-mindedness and individual freedom. But he salutes those who have protested McCain’s speech as a sign of vigorous debate. He notes that McCain said, in defending his Liberty talk, that no one was objecting to him speaking at liberal The New School: “Well, John, at least you solved that problem.” McCain throws head back in laughter (he’s good at demonstrating good nature in such circumstances). Finishes by saluting McCain and the protestors again.